Ahn Cheol-soo: "Government in Disarray Over One Word from Kim Yo-jong... A Pitiful Sight"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, criticized the government on the 12th regarding the issue of leaflets sent to North Korea, saying, “The current government looks pathetic, running around in panic at a single word from Kim Yo-jong, First Deputy Director of the North Korean Workers' Party.”

At the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building that day, Ahn said, “If this measure is a hasty response taken in surprise at a single word from Kim Yo-jong, the government’s countermeasure could be a very shortsighted and rushed policy.”

Ahn agreed that “deep consideration is needed on how to handle the leaflet issue to create a breakthrough in inter-Korean relations,” but pointed out, “Before that, it was necessary to examine various aspects in advance, such as whether forcibly stopping the leaflet distribution infringes or conflicts with the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression, whether it can lead to practical peace-building actions by North Korea, and whether the issue could be resolved through dialogue with the leaflet-sending organizations.”

Ahn stated, “The government has the clear obligation to explain and make understandable to the public who ask why North Korea’s nuclear development, missile, and multiple rocket launcher launches are acceptable, but leaflet distribution is not,” adding, “However, this measure failed to satisfy any of these.”

Ahn said, “If the government judged that a serious situation in inter-Korean relations had occurred due to North Korea’s actions, it should have immediately convened the National Security Council (NSC) chaired by the President to devise a whole-of-government response,” and added, “Even now, the NSC should be convened to analyze North Korea’s intentions and explain them to the public.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.